How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist - What you need to Know

Finding a qualified cosmetic dentist requires careful consideration. There is no referral system in place or third party insurance administrator involvement to assist with the selection of a cosmetic dentist.

With an increasing number of dentists offering cosmetic dentistry, a variety of procedures to choose from and the possible need for inter-disciplinary care before receiving cosmetic dentistry treatment, your choices can be staggering.

Obtaining Referrals for Cosmetic Dentists

Your general dentist's recommendation is a primary consideration. If you have been receiving regular dental hygiene check ups, your general dentist has a picture of the current status and condition of your mouth.

Ask your friends, neighbors, and business colleagues who have undergone a smile makeover whom they would recommend.

Narrowing Your Cosmetic Dentist Choices

It is important to do your homework and investigate the level of cosmetic dentistry experience for each cosmetic dentist you consider before setting up a consultation appointment. You may want to ask if the dentist is skilled in providing full mouth reconstruction, or if he/she refers patients to another specialist if such treatments are needed. You may also want to ask if the cosmetic dentist is a member of the Australian Dental Association which requires adherence to rigorous study, ethical standards and examination to qualify as an accredited member.

Other criteria for determining if a cosmetic dentist is the right one for you include:

How long has the dentist been practicing?

Are the results shown in before and after photos of previous patients to your liking? Are the photos of actual patients that the dentist has treated?

What dental technologies (lasers, caries detection devices, CAD/CAM restoration, intraoral imaging, etc.) are used in the practice that may help serve your needs?

What patient comforts are provided through the practice – such as headphones that provide calming music, comfort chairs, spa services or sedation dentistry – that will make the treatment process a more relaxing and anxiety-free experience?

Emergencies are unlikely, but do find out what provisions the practice offers. Is the emergency service provided by the dentist or a staff member? Is communication over the phone or in person?

What to Expect at your Consultation

Your initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist is an opportunity for you to learn about the practice that you've narrowed down your search to, as well as discuss what you like and don't like about your smile. It's also an opportunity for you and the cosmetic dentist to establish realistic expectations for your cosmetic dental treatment.

Consultations for cosmetic dentistry treatments typically include records gathering. Because these records are important for developing a unique and precise cosmetic dental treatment plan that will satisfy your needs, a significant amount of time may be spent for this purpose. Records gathering involves, but is not limited to:

A comprehensive intraoral examination and inspection of any existing dental work.

Intraoral photographs

Radiographs (X-rays)

Impressions of your upper and lower teeth (models and study casts will be made later).

Looking through smile design books that show an assortment of before and after photographs of different cosmetic dental procedures.

Reviewing different tooth shapes and sizes to see what appeals to you.

Discussing tooth color

Using a computer monitor, reviewing your smile tooth by tooth with the cosmetic dentist so you can thoroughly understand what can be changed and how.

Considerations for the Consultation

Cosmetic dentistry results may vary and are dependent on the skill of your dentist. Finding a qualified cosmetic dentist therefore requires careful consideration, even during the consultation stages of treatment.

During your consultation, make note of how you feel about the practice's ambiance. Specifically, are you comfortable with the cosmetic dentist's chair-side manner? Is the staff friendly, welcoming and quick to address your concerns? Since cosmetic dentistry treatment can take time, it is important to establish a rapport with all individuals involved.

If the cosmetic dentist provides you with a diagnosis and treatment plan during the consultation, it is important that he or she share that information with you in detail. Make sure that you understand your diagnosis and any viable treatment alternatives. Make sure that you feel completely comfortable with the level of detail and thoroughness of the explanations you are given so that you can make an educated decision about your cosmetic dental treatment.

Likewise, when providing you with a treatment plan, the cosmetic dentist should be able to tell you about the type of materials that will be used in the fabrication of your restorations. Be sure to ask about how long the results are expected to last and the type of maintenance required in order to sustain the benefit of the procedures. For example, teeth whitening must be repeated every three to six months – depending upon the procedure you choose – in order to maintain the benefits. Similarly, you may be required to wear a protective mouth guard at night to help maintain your veneers.

Since most cosmetic dentistry procedures include restorations made in a dental laboratory, ask about the dental laboratory technician your dentist plans to involve in your treatment plan. Is the laboratory technician or ceramist a Certified Dental Technician or an accredited member? Has the dentist worked with this laboratory technician for many years and/or on similar cases in the past?

When you select a cosmetic dentist, you are selecting a dental professional who will help you change your appearance by changing the look of your teeth and your smile. It is a very personal and important choice. Most procedures are not reversible, so you will want to take your time, ensure that you feel comfortable with the dentist, and that you feel confident with his/her skills and capabilities. When you do, you will likely be happy and completely satisfied with the results that are achieved with the cosmetic dentistry treatment you receive.

Vogue Smile Melbourne practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with unconditional commitment to excellence in delivering quality, warm, personalized dental treatment and care.